Looking for things to do in Minca, advice on where to stay or clear information on how to get to the mountainside wonderland? You've come to the right place - read on....
Updated January 2020
Minca is a breath of fresh air. A small village nestled in the northern Colombian hills, it is an excellent option for anyone looking to escape the gritty city of Santa Marta for a few days or for those a little bit bored of the beaches and popularity of Tayrona and Taganga.
Up until relatively recently, despite its natural beauty, Minca was unable to open its doors to tourism - the presence of paramilitary forces in the surrounding areas meant this was a place cut off to all but locals. Now, with the security situation in Colombia improving, there are hostels and restaurants popping up along its streets, but Minca still feels refreshingly like somewhere that is ripe for discovery.
(However, since our first visit in 2015, it’s definitely now much ‘discovered’, and firmly on the northern Colombia backpacker trail).
The climate up here - 660 metres above sea level - is a few degrees cooler than elsewhere in this part of the country, but still perfect for sitting outside to enjoy your morning coffee and breathe in the unparalleled views. Your days here will be spent walking from farm to waterfall through the jungle, uncovering the secrets of cacao and coffee, chasing elusive birds, and indulging in hidden moments of serene relaxation amongst tranquil, unspoiled nature (oversized hammock very much optional).
Although you can definitely have an excellent day-trip in Minca from Santa Marta, we'd highly recommend spending at least two nights in or around the village. Here's our overview on how to get to Minca, travel tips for your visit, and our personal pick of the best things do to in Minca.
Eight Wonderful Things to Do in Minca
hike up los pinos
Of all the memories we have of Minca, it is the views of the Sierra Nevada to the Caribbean coast which remain the most treasured.
For our money, one of the best views was from the mirador at Los Pinos. It was a very manageable semi-paved uphill walk from Minca to the mirador, but you need to give yourself at least three hours from town and try to leave before the sun is too strong.
Not only is it a lovely walk amongst nature and the rolling hills of the Sierra Nevada, at the top you'll be rewarded with some wonderful views of the mountains, Minca, Santa Marta and the coastline in the distance.
We were also delighted to discover a great new hostel** - Casa Elemento - near the top. Complete with quite possibly the best views from any hostel in Colombia, the world's largest hammock (now a big Instagram backdrop), a slack-line and ice-cold beers, it was the perfect place for a pit-stop!
If you don't have the fitness or desire to walk up here, then there are plenty of moto-taxis leaving from town charging 20,000 COP per person each way to Casa Elemento.
The Details | The steep walk to Los Pinos from Minca starts along ‘Cerro Kennedy Oriente’ road and is totally free, but just make sure you give yourself plenty time and set off early to avoid the worst of the sun. Stopping in at Casa Elemento and its famous hammock used to also be a free activity, but our readers have confirmed that there is now a charge for day visitors / non-guests of COP 10,000 (which includes a drink). For the hike. bring lots of water, camera, suncream, good footwear and some money for any food or drink at Casa Elemento.
**Update | Since our first visit in 2015 (when Elemento was relatively new and shiny), we have been reliably informed by a number of readers that Casa Elemento has seen better days, and that new management means that this is no longer a place we can recommend as accommodation. Thankfully, Minca is full of amazing places to stay out in nature with great views - just scroll down to the bottom of this post to discover lots of other wonderful suggestions - and you can still just visit Casa Elemento and hang out in the hammock as part of your walk to Los Pinos (and pair it with a visit to the Marinka Waterfall).
Read Next | How To Visit Tayrona National Park
get your twitch on
Colombia is the #1 country in the world for bird biodiversity and an excellent destination for twitchers. Minca is however the star of the show with 162 of the 300 species found in the Sierra Nevada found here, making it a year-round mecca for those brandishing binoculars.
Those of you who take this sort of things seriously will likely be visiting Colombia specifically to do this, so our advice and experience is not going to be the most specialist. However, for total amateurs or those who want to get out early and see some special birds, there are a number of bird tour companies in the village providing early morning and afternoon excursions. To increase your chances of the seeing the most rare and unique birds in the area, we'd recommend joining one of them.
The Details | We recommend Jungle Joe, where a 3-hour tour costs $25,000 (£5.6 / €6.7 / $7.3). All necessary equipment is provided by the tour.
Insider Tip | Hotel Minca La Casona offers up a great opportunity to see lots and lots wild tropical birds, as they lay out dozens of feeders and make it a real feature for guests; this makes it a place which ornithologists gravitate to in terms accommodation (it’s also Lonely Birder approved). Non-guests can however pop into certain public areas to see the birds.
a dip in pozo azul
Found at the end of the winding dusty road and across a rickety old bridge, these were some of the iciest waters we have ever swam in.
Although not quite the waterfall the locals may have suggested, the clear waters of Pozo Azul (composed of several natural swimming holes) are a delightful and peaceful way to spend an afternoon, particularly if you've worked up a sweat getting there!
It's around a one-hour walk from town (along one road, uphill - so almost impossible to get lost but you can find it on Google Maps here just in case), which takes you through some lovely scenery (keep your eyes open for the colourful birds). You’ll see signs for Pozo Azul on the left.
Motorbike taxis are available for around $7,000 but, unless you have difficulty walking, these aren't really necessary.
The Details | It should cost absolutely nothing, but there may sometimes be a local trying their luck to charge $2,000 entry. It can become very busy on the weekends with day-trippers from Santa Marta, so it’s best to go earlier rather than later.
Bring swimming stuff, a quick-dry towel, suncream, and lots of water for the walk. The rocks near the pool can be very slippy too, so watch your step.
visit la victoria coffee farm
Minca is in prime coffee-making territory and was in fact one of the first regions in Colombia to really make the most of coffee cultivation.
The La Victoria finca is special as it still uses the same equipment as when it started up in 1892 (it is in fact one of the oldest coffee plantations in Colombia), and offers the opportunity to learn about the history process of making coffee in a scenic setting.
The best time for a visit is between November and February, which is coffee-picking season, so there's a lot more activity. However, any time of year will be fine.
As ever, we're going to make you walk again from the centre of town (around 90 minutes) , but there are also moto-taxis that can bring you up here for $15,000 / 15 minutes. As La Victoria Coffee Farm (Google Maps) is also home to ‘Nevada Cerveceria’, a small artisanal brewery that produces handcrafted beer with local regional products such as coffee and coca leaves, it’s as good a reason as any to work up a thirst!
The Details | Tours have recently increased to $15,000 per person (updated Jan 2020), which includes two cup of coffee each - one at the beginning of the tour, and one at the end. They run everyday from 9am-4pm. Bring good footwear for the walk and any extra cash in case you wish to purchase bags of coffee (or beer).
It’s also possible to stay on the farm at the beautiful Casa Viejas Hostel Lodge, and your walk to La Victoria can be paired with your walk to / from Pozo Azul as they both lie on the Cienaga - Minca road.
chase the marinka waterfalls
Waterfalls are honestly the most over-rated tourist attraction (they’re guaranteed to never be as big or powerful or photogenic as you’re told). However, that doesn’t stop us chasing them down in South America in anticipation that one day - just one day - we’ll get a surprise and our expectations will be exceeded (which actually did happen with a waterfall on the Lost City Trek.
However, the walk and time spent at Cascada Marinka is never actually going to be a bad thing to do if you have time in Minca. It’s a bit higher than the stubby wide one at Pozo Azul, and the accompanying restaurant and photogenic large overhanging hammock mean you can chill out there quite happily for a few hours interspersed with invigorating swims in a lovely setting.
The Details | It’s another hour long walk from Minca (notice a theme here?). Take the ‘Cerro Kennedy Oriente’ road (the same one which will bring you to Casa Elemento), until you see a sign on the left, take it and continue for ten minutes or so (you can find Marinka Waterfalls here on Google Maps). Alternatively, take a moto-taxi. Entry to the falls costs $5,000 COP per person.
Insider Tip | You need buy spray for Minca, as well as other destinations in the Sierra Nevada. In Colombia and everywhere else in South America, we’ve used Incognito bug spray. It's DEET-free, doesn't test on animals, and works really bloody well for us. You can get it cheapest on Amazon - view here.
eat at the lazy cat
We usually wouldn't include a food place as a specific thing to do, but our meal was so damn delicious at the Lazy Cat that we feel we have to make an exception.
Owned by a Colombian/English couple, this is a place that will remind you of home, and depending how long you have been away travelling, this is probably a good thing. With a menu replete with multiple veggie (even a couple of vegan) options, excellent burgers, and possibly the best noodle dishes we've had in the last 10 months, it is of little surprise that the restaurant is packed with travellers every night.
They also have an excellent value set menu in the afternoon, and happy hour(s) in the evening.
We also have to give an honourable mention to Cafe Duni, which has more excellent vegetarian options plus great cakes.
Read Next | 13 Wonderful Things to do in Cartagena
learn at Memoria de la Sierra Nevada
Athough Minca offers travellers wonderful opportunities to enjoy hikes, hammocks, and waterfalls, it's crucial that we all take responsibility to understand the places we visit and help them thrive from tourism in a sustainable, responsible manner.
Memoria de la Sierra Nevada offers the opportunity to do just that.
A relatively new project in Minca created by a local man (whose grandparents donated the majority of the land which makes up the village) and his US partner, this museum aims to ensure that the history and culture of the area is not lost, that locals have a say in the future of their community, and to promote intercultural respect.
Situated in the oldest house in Minca, it traces the history of the region beginning with the indigenous groups, the first families to arrive, the history of coffee and how Minca was formed by coffee plantation workers, traditions and customs, the history of the FARC and autodefensa )and the impact of each on the town), and focusses on how Minca has changed as a result of tourism and some of the economic/social problems it has caused.
It’s incredibly important to not simply travel in Colombia and be oblivious to these issues - so please take the time to visit so that your perspective and experiences of the country are grounded in an appreciation of what it has endured.
The Details | Memoria de la Sierra Nevada (also called Museo Minca) is located across from the police department after Cafe Minca and Jungle Koe's, open for visitors from 9-11 am and 1-4 pm Tuesday-Saturday. Entry is donation-based, and all proceeds go to a wide variety community development projects, including cultural encuentros, free English classes, and local youth works. Find it here on Google Maps.
visit finca la Candelaria
As many travellers will also be visiting Salento, or elsewhere in Colombia’s coffee triangle, you may prefer to save your coffee learning experience until then instead of visiting La Victoria Coffee Farm. Although we implore you to take as many opportunities as possible to learn about Colombian coffee (and taste it), we totally appreciate that a tight travel budget means experiences have to be prioritised.
Therefore, as an alternative or addition to the coffee at La Victoria, you can visit the family-owned cacao farm at Finca La Candelaria. This has emerged in recent years as one of the most popular things to do in Minca, largely based on La Candelaria’s stunning hillside location and the stories told by the family who have been here growing cacao and coffee as Minca has evolved from the dark effects of Colombia’s civil war into a booming eco-tourism hotspot.
The Details | There are several tours per day, requiring a minimum of three people. The 1-2 hour cacao tour costs $20,000 COP per person, and gives tastings as well as an overview of the chocolate production process from bean to bar. You can also buy products direct from the farm. To reach La Candelaria, you can again opt for a pleasant walk 1.5 hour walk here from Minca or go for a $15,000 moto-taxi instead - both involve a 10 minute stroll through the jungle at the end. It is also possible to stay at the family’s guesthouse via Airbnb (check it out here).
Insider Tip | On our latest trip to South America, we brought two travel filter water bottles with us. They allowed us to cut down completely on buying plastic bottles of water, and meant that we could instantly fill up and access safe drinking water anywhere and everywhere (including from waterfalls and rivers). We use the affordable Water-to-Go bottles, whilst the Grayl Ultralight is a good alternative.
Where to Stay in Minca
There some amazing places to stay in Minca, with many rooms having views which rival those available from any viewpoint or hike. Staying at somewhere like this is all part of the Minca experience, and where the magic lies, especially for those of you who want to feel removed and directly in touch with nature here.
Thankfully, the opportunity to have that isn’t only available those on a big travel budget, with several hostels based in breathtaking hillside locations.
If you like to walk and want a chance to disconnect, we think a three-night stay in Minca is ideal - and then you can always choose to stay for longer if you fall in love with it. The December to April dry season is the best time to visit Minca, but note that during rainy season here (May-June, September-November) showers often arrive by the afternoon so it’s best to do any exploring in the mornings.
These are our personal accommodation recommendations for travellers like you:
For those on a budget
Casa Loma Hostel | The most popular and highly-rated place to stay in Minca - and for good reason. If you can handle all the stairs you have to climb to make it to Casa Loma, you'll be treated to astonishing views over Minca. This treehouse-style hostel doesn't have wifi but when you're sitting on the terrace with a rum and coke in hand looking out over the hills below, you'll be so happy you were able to disconnect. For our money, they offer some of the most memorable and unique rooms in Colombia at an amazingly good value price, and are rightly an absolute highlight of many people’s trip, but as it’s so incredibly popular you really do need to book weeks in advance to get their best private single and double rooms overlooking the trees and mountains. Cheap dorm beds are also available, and their nightly 2-3 course dinner for guests deserves a special mention for its excellent veggie food. For more information and to check availability, click here.
Mundo Nuevo Eco-Lodge | Located outside of Minca’s town centre, this gorgeous eco-hostel offers spectacular views over the regions mountains and valleys - definitely worth the mototaxi ride out of town. There’s no common kitchen, but family style meals are provided each day using veggies grown on site. A perfect spot for hikers and nature lovers. For more information and to check availability, click here.
Another good option is Hostal Coco Bomgo.
**For a very long time, we've been recommending people stay at Casa Elemento. Unfortunately, as mentioned, a number of readers have informed us that it is no longer a pleasant place to stay, and best avoided. By all means go for the view, but pick a different hostel for the night.
For those who want an experience
Sweet Harmony | Beautiful rooms with spectacular forest views, Sweet Harmony offers up a little bit of luxury just a 12 minute walk away from central Minca. With a hillside hot tub, and wildlife on your terrace it's a wonderful spot for a couple looking to push the boat out for once. The hotel is a haven for birds: keep an eye out for toucans and hummingbirds! For more information and to check availability, click here.
Finca Carpe Diem | Like mangoes, chocolate and cheese? This will be the place for you! Located in an area famous for its abundance of mango trees, Finca Carpe Diem occupies a beautiful position at the rivers edge surrounded by jungle and mountain views. Stay in their beautiful thatched roof eco-huts, swim one of the two outdoor pools, learn about growing coffee and cacao or making cheese, hike through the surrounding jungle, or just relax and enjoy your natural surroundings. For more information and to check availability, click here.
Minca Ecohabs | Sooo not a budget option, but so truly spectacular, we couldn't not mention them! Stunning location in the heart of the jungle, these treehouse-like ecohuts will make you feel very 'Tarzan and Jane' - if Tarzan knew a little something about interior design! For more information and to check availability, click here.
Note that for several of the best places to stay in Minca are outside of the village, meaning you will have to take a moto-taxi ride up the hills for anywhere from 10 - 30 minutes. There are no shortage of moto-taxi guys in the village centre, but you will have to negotiate the price. The cost can sometimes be as steep as the ride itself, given the distances, but this is important to know in advance. If in doubt, just drop a message to the place you’ve booked for their advice.
Due to this, it’s best to travel light - and you can opt to leave some things at your hostel’s luggage storage in Santa Marta if that helps to lighten the load.
If you’re on a really tight budget for Colombia, factor in these moto-taxi costs before booking.
If you’re looking to do some yoga whilst in Minca, then check out Casa Yoga Minca which give daily morning classes in Spanish and English (depending on the group) from 7.30 a.m. A class cost $25,000 COP per person.
how to get to minca from santa marta
Minca is only about 15 kilometres from the the city of Santa Marta, but the winding, steep, and narrow access road turns it into a 35 to 45 minute journey.
Colectivos (shared taxis or jeeps) depart from Carrera 9 in downtown Santa Marta, right next to the central market, with the specific departure point located between Calle 11 and Calle 12. If confused, the sign you want to look for outside a little office is Cootrasminca (Google Maps) - or just walk around asking for “los colectivos para Minca” and somebody will point you in the right direction. From most hostels, this will involve a walk through the busy market, but if you’re staying at some of the most popular options on the city outskirts, then it’s best to jump in a taxi straight to Carrera 9.
The taxis leave every 15-20 minutes when full, so you should never have to wait around too long.
The price of shared transport from Santa Marta to Minca increases each year as more travellers include Minca on their Colombia itinerary, with fares currently at $8,000 COP per person (£1.8 / €2.1 / $2.3). If this changes again, please do let us know in the comments!
If you are in an urgent rush to depart however, you can pay the driver for the whole vehicle. Alternatively, take a yellow private taxi for $40,000 - 50,000 COP.
If you’re looking to travel from Cartagena to Minca, there are direct shuttles with MarSol (but those dicks stole our photos - including from this post - and used them posters we saw all over the place during our second Colombia trip). Therefore, just take the 4-5 hour bus from Cartagena to the Santa Marta bus station on the outskirts, take a taxi to the centre, and follow the steps above - just make sure you leave Cartagena early to ensure you can still get a Minca to Santa Marta colectivo in the late afternoon.
If travelling from anywhere else in Colombia, just make a beeline to Santa Marta - read our guide to the city here.
is minca expensive?
As most of the activities in and around Minca are completely free to enter (thanks Mother Nature) and you can walk there by foot, we managed to stay under £30/$45 combined budget on our three-day stay. As it increases in popularity each year however, so do some of the prices.
Accommodation | There are plenty of cheap and basic options in town, where a private double will cost $40-50,000. If you want to stay at one of the more popular hostels (often with lovely views, social areas. better facilities and the sort of place you could easily spend a day relaxing), then a private double is more likely to cost $70,000-80,000.
Food | There are plenty of cheap family restaurants offering a breakfast of arepas, eggs and coffee for $5,000. In the evening, you are a little more limited to backpacker-focussed places, but value is still good with plates starting at $10,000. There are limited street-food options.
Moto-Taxis | As mentioned several times, we preferred to walk to / from the waterfalls, fincas, and miradors and walking in the lush jungle around Minca really is part of the whole experience (and saves you some money too). However, moto-taxis are always available to take you to / from these destinations too.
Cash | There is currently unreliable ATM in town, so your best bet is to bring enough pesos with you from Santa Marta for all tours, food and accommodation.
